Bobcat Alley Expansion: A Big Win for Wildlife!

Quick Smiles:

• A major conservation effort is underway to expand Bobcat Alley, protecting wildlife corridors in New Jersey.
• Recent land acquisitions boost conservation efforts in Warren and Sussex counties.
• The initiative aims to connect protected areas across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

A small piece of land is making a big impact for wildlife in New Jersey, thanks to the efforts of a renowned conservation nonprofit. This organization has acquired 454 acres in a region affectionately known as “Bobcat Alley,” a critical area for wildlife movement in one of the most developed parts of the Appalachian Mountains.

Bobcat Alley, a vital migratory corridor, allows animals to traverse north and south through Warren and Sussex counties at the northern tip of New Jersey. This area meets Pennsylvania and New York, making it a key location for conservation. Recognizing the importance of protecting this East Coast woodland, the organization launched the Bobcat Alley Initiative in 2014.

The initiative’s original goal was to preserve 32,000 acres, ensuring safe passage for state-endangered bobcats and other species. The organization aimed to acquire 60% of this land and work with partners to protect the rest. To date, around 13,000 acres are safeguarded, with local partners protecting an additional 1,529 acres.

Recently, the organization has expanded its ambition, tripling the target to 96,000 acres. This includes new acquisitions of 189 acres in Mount Pleasant, Warren County, and 248 acres in Hampton Township, Sussex County. “We are building Bobcat Alley piece by piece in a state where the land parcel sizes are modest, but cost is at a premium,” said the organization’s New Jersey State Director.

The expanded goal aims to connect Bobcat Alley with protected areas in New York’s Hudson River Valley and Pennsylvania’s Appalachian regions. The Kittatinny Ridge, with its mature forests, provides a habitat for bobcats, black bears, and red foxes. Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands host diverse species such as gray foxes and river otters and are crucial for protecting drinking water for northern New Jersey residents.

The Southern Highlands face a greater risk of development compared to Kittatinny, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts. As New Jersey’s land is expected to be either developed or protected by the century’s end, projects like Bobcat Alley are vital for preserving natural habitats.

“The project takes patience, commitment, and teamwork, and we truly appreciate the partners that stepped up to help us protect these beautiful and critical natural areas for wildlife and people,” the director added.

This ambitious initiative showcases the power of collaboration and dedication in preserving natural corridors for wildlife and ensuring a future where nature and development coexist harmoniously.

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